CITES can help save bluefin tuna
Governments meeting on 13 March the largest wildlife trade convention will have a unique opportunity to help preserve the world’s oceans and simultaneously stem a worldwide poaching crisis, says WWF.
The 15th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP 15) will consider an unprecedented six proposals to better protect marine species – including a crucial ban on the international commercial trade of Atlantic bluefin tuna.
“This is the meeting where governments must take a stand to save the Atlantic bluefin tuna and no longer stoop to the short-term interests of a bloated hi-tech fishing industry,” said Sergi Tudela, WWF’s tuna expert. “Otherwise, this important species and a centuries-old fishing tradition could disappear forever.”
The governments will consider putting Atlantic bluefin tuna on Appendix I of the Convention – the highest level of protection under its appendix system, which would ban all international commercial trade.
Other marine species up for increased protection under CITES include red and pink coral – being harvested out of existence to make jewellry and decorative items – and four shark species.
Proposals to put these four shark species on CITES Appendix II, which would ensure stricter trade controls, will be considered at the meeting. These sharks currently are overfished because of demand for their fins and meat.
